by Tamie Dearen
“It’s just... I don’t really like to talk about it.”
“Oh, well sorry to pry.” Grace was quiet for a moment before busting out laughing. “No, that’s not true. I love to pry. What happened? You’ll feel better if you tell me. And I won’t tell anyone—I’m great at keeping secrets.”
“No really. It’s embarrassing. I can’t tell you.”
“Okay, I’ll tell you something embarrassing, and then you won’t mind telling me your thing. Let me see... There are so many things to choose from...”
Emily chuckled. “No, you don’t have to—”
“I know a good one. And it’s about a guy, too. There was this really cute guy in my Geology class named Jake, and I was dying for him to ask me out. Then one day I got a text that said, Hey this is Jake. Do you want to catch a movie on Friday? So of course I text back Yes. And the next day I went up to him in class and asked him about it. And he was all confused and asked what I was talking about. It turns out the message was from a different Jake. It was sooooo awkward!” Grace laughed out loud.
“That really happened? That’s awful. How can you laugh about it?”
“Stuff like that happens to me all the time. I’m an awkward disaster magnet. I guess I’m used to it. I drop stuff, trip and fall, say stupid things. I’m like a walking comedy skit. Okay, so give it up. What happened to you?”
Grace was certainly persistent. Maybe it would feel good to tell someone. She hadn’t even told Charlie. “Okay. You promise not to tell anyone? Not your sisters? And especially not your brother?”
“I promise. Really. I mean it.”
She sighed. “So there was this drop-dead gorgeous guy at my firm in Fort Worth. His name was Tristan. We went out four times. He was always making suggestions, you know, sexual suggestions. But I thought he was just flirting. On the fourth date, he declared if I really liked him I would prove it by sleeping with him, although his exact words weren’t even that nice. And when I turned him down, he took me straight home without speaking to me. Two days later he was in a relationship with another girl in the office. After that, I swore off dating.”
“Okay, he was a jerk, but that’s just one guy. You shouldn’t give up because of him.”
“He was only the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back. Every other good-looking guy I’ve known has turned out to be a jerk or conceited or a player or something. I’m never attracted to the nice ones.”
“So you don’t want to date? Or you don’t want to date Spencer? Do you think he’s a player?”
“Isn’t he?”
“To tell you the truth, I don’t know. I know he’s had a lot of different female friends. He’s always claiming they’re only friends and nothing more, just like with you. So maybe it’s true. I only know one thing for sure. He’s a crabby, bossy big brother, but he’s really a sweet guy. He’s not a jerk like most guys who’re that good-looking. That may sound weird coming from a sister.”
“I think he’s lucky to have a loyal sister like you. And I don’t think he’s a jerk either. He’s been really nice to me. But I can’t take a chance on getting hurt again. I’m thinking maybe the guys I’ve dated are too young. Maybe an older guy, someone who’s more mature. Maybe someone like that would’ve outgrown the tendency to play games.”
“Maybe… But I think you should give Spencer a chance.”
“But he doesn’t want a chance, remember? He told me he didn’t want to date right now.”
“Yeah, whatever.” Grace rolled her eyes. “He may be selling, but I’m not buying.”
Chapter Seven
Wednesday morning dawned, and Spencer was still angry and frustrated.
“Candace... This is Spencer calling. Again! Please call me back!” Spencer ended the call and resisted the urge to throw his phone across the room. He’d called and texted five times time on Tuesday and called three times already on Wednesday. Candace hadn’t returned a single phone call or text. He was more convinced than ever she was responsible for the Gherring’s picture being given to the NYC Word. She was obviously avoiding him. He didn’t even know what he was going to say when he finally talked to her, but he needed to give her a piece of his mind.
His cell rang, the caller ID showing Becca’s name. She’d been calling him nonstop since the hike on Saturday, seemingly undiscouraged by his accusations on Monday. He let the call go to voice mail, but his phone slipped out of his hand and fell to the floor, bouncing under his desk. He rolled his chair back and leaned under the desk to reach the phone.
“Hey, Spencer. What’re you doing?”
He jumped at the sound of Emily’s voice, banging his head on the desk.
“Ow!” He sat up slowly, rubbing his head.
“Sorry. Are you okay?”
“No. I mean, yes. I guess I bumped my head. I was trying to pick up my phone.” He held up the retrieved object.
“Sorry I startled you. Uhmm, I needed to talk to you.”
“Sure, what’s up?” He tried not to sound too eager. This was the first time she’d come by his desk—maybe it was a good sign. “How was art class with Grace? I’d love to see what you worked on.”
“Uhmm, great. It was great.” Her cheeks reddened.
“That is, if you want to show me. You don’t have to.”
“No, I don’t mind. But, uhmm... about Thursday… I’m going to have to cancel pizza. I’m having dinner with Mom and Steven, so uhmm... I mean, I’m not going to jazzercise either.”
He felt a knot in his stomach. She was ditching him, and she wasn’t making eye contact. “It’s okay. Your mom’s more important. How’s she feeling? Must be better if they’re planning dinner.”
“Yeah. Well, Steven and I will probably eat a real dinner, and she’ll probably eat toast or something like that.” She twisted her braid with one hand. “We could do it another time. Maybe this weekend?”
“Sure. Well, I’m supposed to go on an overnight hike this weekend.”
“Oh. With Becca?”
“I don’t think so. I think it’s mostly guys from the hiking group, maybe one or two girls.” He cocked his head to the side as an idea had popped into his head. “You could come if you want to.”
Emily’s face paled, and her eyes widened. “Oh, uhmm, I don’t have the camping stuff.”
“You could borrow some if you want to go. But, no pressure.”
“Well, thanks for asking. And… and thanks for being so sweet about my mom and taking me to the hospital and getting your mother to be her nurse and all that.”
“You don’t need to thank me. I really like your mom and Mr. Gherring. And my mom’s glad to have a good job.”
“Okay. I’ll see you later.”
“Yeah, later.” Watching her walk away, he felt like his chances of being more than friends were dwindling with every step.
His phone rang—Becca again. He declined the call and turned his phone off, running frustrated fingers through his hair until it looked as crazy as he felt. He must have done something to make God mad at him.
*****
Emily felt relieved she’d finished that detestable chore. She hated lying to Spencer, but she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Now she needed to cancel with Becca.
Becca answered the phone call quickly. “Hi, Emily. I’m glad you called. I was about to call you. I’ve been trying to reach Spencer. Don’t you work in the same office? Is he there today?”
“Uhmm. . . Yes, I think he’s here. But he probably doesn’t answer his phone during work hours. You know how it is.” She felt a surge of guilt at how easily the lie came to her lips. “I called you because I have to cancel for jazzercise tomorrow night.”
“Oh.”
“I’m sorry. I really want to go. Maybe next week?”
“Sure, that’s fine,” she said with a heavy sigh into the phone. “It’s just that, uhmm... Well, I really wanted to talk to you. I mean, you’re probably too busy to talk now, but...”
“No, I’ve got a few min
utes to talk. What is it?”
“Well, it’s about Spencer. You see, I thought we had a good thing between us, but lately he’s been distant. And so I wondered if you two were... You know. Do you like Spencer? Is there something going on between you?” Emily could hear her sniffling. “Is that what you’re doing Thursday night? Are you going out with Spencer? Because he isn’t returning my phone calls.”
“No, we’re only friends, Becca. We’re not dating.”
“Are you sure? Because I wouldn’t want to come between you or anything. You’re not going out with him Thursday night?”
“No, I’m not. Actually Becca, if you can keep a secret...”
“What? I won’t tell. What is it?”
“Well, I’m sort of going out on a date with my art teacher Thursday night. Although it’s not really a date—it’s only coffee.”
“Really?” Her voice sounded hopeful. “So you don’t mind if Spencer and I date?”
Emily felt her stomach churn. She didn’t really like to think about Spencer dating Becca. But she couldn’t really be upset about it if she was going out with Asher.
“No, of course I don’t mind. Spencer and I are good friends. But he told me he wasn’t really interested in dating right now. Maybe that’s why he’s been a little standoffish.”
“Maybe so. I thought it might have been because of the picture. You know, the one in the tabloid.”
“What picture? What are you talking about?”
Now Becca began to cry again. “He called me yesterday and accused me of taking a picture of your mom and sending it to the NYC Word. It must have been Candace. But he was pretty mad. And he hasn’t answered my phone calls since then.”
“What picture are you talking about? I didn’t know about a picture.”
“It was a picture of your mom when she came off the hiking trail. I guess Candace took the picture. But Spencer accused me. Isn’t that why your mom went on TV last night?”
She tried to remember what Steven had told her. Something vague about the press having a couple of pictures.
“Candace had better steer clear of me for the rest of her life. I don’t know what I might do or say if I see her again. And I can’t believe Spencer didn’t tell me about it yesterday.”
“Oh, I hope you won’t be too mad at him. I probably shouldn’t have mentioned it. I think he told me he was going to keep you from finding out. He probably didn’t want you to know.”
“He has no right to keep something like that from me.”
“That’s how Spencer is. He does stuff like that all the time. I don’t mind though—I think it’s cute.”
“Well I don’t think it’s cute at all.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to start a fight between you. Please don’t tell him I told you. Then he’ll be even madder at me. Please! I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“I won’t tell him. But if you didn’t take the picture, he shouldn’t be mad at you anyway.”
“I know.” She sniffed again. “It’s so awful. I like him so much, but he gets angry for no reason. But I always forgive him... I can’t help myself.”
This was a side of Spencer she’d never seen—controlling, angry, accusing, unforgiving. She felt a little better about her date with Asher, and a little less guilty for lying to Spencer about it.
“So where are you going on your date Thursday night?” Becca asked.
“We’re supposed to meet at some place called Green Scene. It’s not really a date, though. We’re only going for coffee, and I’m paying for my own.”
“I’ve been there. It’s a cool jazz bar. What time are you going?” she asked casually.
“We’re meeting at eight thirty. So jazzercise is definitely out.”
“What are you wearing?”
“I don’t know. I figured jeans.”
“Oh, no. You need to dress up for that place. I think you should wear a dress or a skirt.”
“Really, I thought it was a casual place.”
“I’m sure you’ll feel underdressed if you wear jeans. Is your art teacher cute?”
“Actually, he’s pretty hot, but we’re just going to talk about art class.”
“Sure you are. Anyway, thanks for talking to me. I feel better.”
“No problem. Maybe we’ll do jazzercise next week.”
“Sounds great.”
Why would Spencer hide his relationship with Becca? Grace had mentioned how many times Becca had called his cell on Monday night, although he’d denied dating her. Maybe he preferred his girlfriends to be well endowed. Since he’d apparently lied to her about Becca, she wouldn’t feel guilty for her little white lie concerning Asher.
*****
“Are you sure you feel up to it? I think it’s a bad idea.” Steven asked for what seemed like the umpteenth time.
“Steven. I’m much better. I’ve gained back two pounds.”
“But the doctor said it’s only water weight.”
Anne put on her most sad puppy face. “Please, Steven. I haven’t seen Gram and Gus in weeks.”
“But you’re not supposed to over-exert.”
“I only have to walk to and from the car. I should be fine without the IV for three hours. And we can take it along just in case.”
“But Gram will be upset when you don’t eat anything.”
“She’s already upset. She’ll be less upset when she sees I’m feeling fine and I can walk around. And I’ll eat a bit. I’m doing pretty well with bread. Please, please, please! I’m going stir-crazy in this apartment all day.”
“But it’s only Wednesday night. You’ve only spent two days in the apartment, and you have Connie to keep you company.”
“Yes, Connie’s great, but I miss seeing people and doing things. You know how I am. One short evening out at Gram’s house can’t hurt anything.”
“Fine. We’ll go. But only if you have a really good day tomorrow.” He seemed irritated. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into these things. If something happens—“
“Nothing’s going to happen.”
“That’s what you said when we went on the hike. Remember?”
“That marriage book said you couldn’t bring up the past when you’re having an argument. So you can’t bring up Saturday.”
“This is not an argument. This is you getting your way again, like you always do.”
“Oh, and another rule was you’re not supposed to say things like you always and you never.”
“How about this… I seldom get my way because you constantly get your way because I’m a big pushover where you’re concerned.”
“Oh you’re definitely not a pushover. I have to work hard to win every single battle.” Steven started to tickle her, but she cried out, “Ouch, ouch!”
“What? Did I hurt you? Is it the IV needle?”
She laughed. “No, I was kidding.”
“You’re going to cry wolf one too many times.”
With one hand, he pinned both of hers, and reached to tickle her side. She squirmed and cried out, laughing. He stopped when her cell phone rang.
“Saved by the bell, but only temporarily.”
She answered the call, winking at him. “Emily, I’m glad you called. Really glad.”
“Only a temporary reprieve,” he whispered in her ear.
“Hey, Mom. I thought I’d invite myself up there for an early dinner on Thursday.”
“You’re in luck. We’re going to Gram’s on Thursday night for dinner. You can come with us. She’d love to see you, I’m sure.”
“Oh... well I have plans for later in the evening on Thursday.”
“Okay. We haven’t eaten tonight. Why don’t you come up? I really miss seeing people. Especially you.”
“I can come tonight, but it doesn’t really solve my problem.”
“What’s your problem?”
“I’ve sort of told a white lie, and I was trying to make it mostly true.”
“How on earth did you get you
rself in this sort of a pickle? Who did you lie to?”
“If I tell you, Mom, you can’t tell anyone. Not even Steven.”
“I won’t tell Steven.” At her declaration, he opened his eyes wide. “What happened?”
“I’m going to meet my art teacher for coffee Thursday night, so I canceled pizza with Spencer. And I told him I was having dinner with you so I wouldn’t hurt his feelings.”
“Honey, I can’t give you any advice on telling lies. They always backfire on me. My recommendation is not to do it.”
“But it’s too late. I’ve already told it.”
“Why would you lie to have coffee with this art teacher? Why didn’t you meet at another time instead of canceling your date with Spencer?”
“It wasn’t going to be a date with Spencer. I planned to buy my own pizza.”
“Still, you made plans with him first.”
“I know, and I feel bad. But not too bad, since Becca told me today they’d had a relationship. He evidently lied to me about her.”
“I don’t think I’d trust everything Becca says if I were you. I’d trust Spencer over Becca any day. And you haven’t told me about this art teacher yet.”
“He’s... He was really impressed with my work. And he said we should have coffee and talk. He gives private lessons. And… Well, he’s really good-looking.”
“Better looking than Spencer?”
“No, just different. Older. More sophisticated. More mature. I don’t know. Maybe I need someone older who wouldn’t do immature things, like lying about a relationship with another girl.”
“Sweetie, I can tell you from experience age doesn’t equal maturity. And it seems odd you’re criticizing him for a possible lie, when you’ve told one yourself. But you’re a smart girl—I trust your judgment. On the other hand, let me give you one little guideline.”
“What is it? I really don’t want a lecture, you know.”
“If you find yourself changing or doing things you wouldn’t normally do to please a guy, take a step back and analyze the situation. Ask yourself this… Is he helping you grow and be a better person, or are you changing in a bad way?”
